Valour

Thomas Axford was the first Aussie VC for 1918 the final year of combat in world war 1.

The Russian revolution and Treaty of Brest Litovsk freed up 50 German divisions for a new series of offensives on the Western Front. Join us for the desperate days of early 1918.

Lewis McGee was a train driver and family man from Tasmania. McGee signed up for the AIF in March 1916. His achievements saw him promoted to Lance Corporal, Corporal, Sergeant and Sergeant Major. McGee was set to join the officer ranks when he was killed in action on October 12th 1917, a week after the action that saw him win the VC.

Clarence Jeffries did not survive his VC action but his story did not end there. Buried where he fell. His grave was subsequently lost when artillery further churned up the ground. Join us for the very human story of Clarence Jeffries.

Percy Cherry was a talented marksman and a natural leader. Join us in episode 71 as we discuss his remarkable but tragically short life.

Over three days Patrick Bugden brave murderous machinegun and artillery fire rescuing Australian Prisoners, Storming German Pillboxes and rescuing wounded comrades in no mans land. In episode 70 we explore his story.

Frederick Birks served as stretcher bearer through the whole Gallipoili Campaign and on the Western Front where he won an MM. Birks then applied to be an officer. Lietenant Birks won the VC at Paschendale but was sadly killed the day after his VC action.

Todays episode released on ANZAC Day 2026 is about a very special ANZAC. If a living hell could be defined by the Australians of World War 1 and The Burma China Railway by the Australians of World War 2 then Wally Peeler went to hell and back twice. When not enduring the worst that 20th century warfare could dish out, Wally was the custodian of the Melbourne Shrine of remembrance honouring those who served and died alongside him. Join us for the story of this very special Australian.